This is an interview with Ricky Beck Mahler before the 2006 reunion show Austin Texas for Reloaded magazine.....
Q: How did you meet Alex and how did the Circus of Power project begin?
A: We met while living in south Florida, both playing in different bands on the local punk rock scene in the early 80's. Then hooked up with each other in NYC a few years later, the rest is history....
Q: Was there a particular Circus of Power tour that you would call your favorite?
A: The Faith No More tour was my favorite...
Q: How would you describe the backstage area at a COP show?...water and fruit…or beer, whiskey, chicks and disaster?
A: Water & fruit sounds good to me.. Whisky & beer for all my friends... Oh yeah, And a hot babe after the show won't hurt either.....
Q: The first record is obviously a cult-rock classic. How long was COP playing shows and writing the material before actually going into production on the record?
A: If I can remember correctly, maybe about a year ? The weather was really bad back in those days, it was always foggy if you know what I mean ?
Q: Why did COP decide to add a 5th member on down the road? First Zowie, and then Austin's very own Mark Frappier?
A: At the time I thought it was a good idea adding a bass player and moving Gary to guitar... Looking back, I think we should have left things alone, But then again, who's to say what would have happened in that situation also ?
Q: Are you currently involved in any new projects??
A: Musical projects, No...... But, I'm currently in the process of moving from one house to another, that's the only project I have going on/as we speak... But, If anyone wants to sell me their vintage guitar they can contact me any time @ Myspace.com/chudking
Q: What were the last 3 cd's that you purchased?
A: Muse- Absolution. Mick Ronson-Play don't worry. I use to have it when I was a kid but lost it over the years, it's awesome. And the last one was Ian Hunter-Standing in the light, Also a Classic....
Q: As a guitar player, which guitarists influenced the way you play and your approach to the instrument?
A: Mick Ronson, Mick Ralphs, Leslie West, Tony Iommi, & many others.....
Q: Any animosity toward the rise of the Seattle scene and the grunge movement in general?
A: Not now, But maybe a little bit back in the day.... Now I'm thankful for a lot of great music that came out of that scene.....
Q: Why Austin, Texas for this reunion show as opposed to Los Angeles or New York?
A: Mark/Frap the bass player lives in Austin, That's how this whole thing came about... It's the big Republic of Texas bike week, Should be fun, I hope ? LOL...
Q: Do you have a large guitar collection? If so, what is your main axe?
A: I have Mucho guitars, I probably own over 100 guitars at the moment. I have what you'd call a stash of collectable guitars, and then I have a stash of players guitars.. The guitar I'll be playing in Austin is a Gibson 1960 reissue, I think I'll leave the real one at home for safe keeping...
Q: Are you anticipating more Circus of Power music to be written in the near future, or has the horse been beaten?
A: The horse will never be beaten... I say, lets see how this show goes, then take it from there...
Q: Time for a little word association.
a. Zodiac Mindwarp and the Love Reaction
"Alex blasting music from his unfinished apartment downstairs on Bond street in Brooklyn circa 1985."
b. CBGB
"The Ramones"
c. Addiction
"Yikesssssssssssssssss......... "
d. Jim Marshall
" Godlike "
e. Chinese Democracy, 10 years in the making
" I love Chinese food.......... "